Kelso (NSW)

Kelso lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Kelso (NSW) is around 11,229, showing an increase of 1,190 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 10,039 in Kelso. This growth reflects an estimated resident population of 11,100 by AreaSearch following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and the validation of an additional 287 new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 353 persons per square kilometer. Kelso's growth rate of 11.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (3.2%) and SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed around 60.0% to Kelso's population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by the former data. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from these aggregations for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Kelso's population is forecasted to increase by 5,088 persons, reflecting a total gain of 44.2% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Kelso among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Kelso shows an average of 106 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25531 homes were approved, with a further 25 approved so far in FY-26. This indicates healthy demand for new residents, averaging two per dwelling over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value of these dwellings is $472,000, reflecting developer focus on premium properties. In FY-26, Kelso has registered $22.3 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Kelso has 140.0% more development activity per person. New building activity comprises 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character.

As of around 250 people per approval, Kelso reflects a transitioning market. Future projections estimate Kelso adding 4,959 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Kelso has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include The Gateway Bathurst, MIR Group Residential Subdivision, Pretty Heights Estate, and Hynash Constructions' 123-Lot Subdivision. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment environment in Kelso shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Kelso has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.0%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 5835 residents are employed, which is 0.9% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Kelso stands at 68.8%, exceeding Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, only 11.3% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Manufacturing shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.0%, compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Kelso's labour force decreased by 2.4% alongside a 3.3% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 1 percentage point. In comparison, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force decline of 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Kelso. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Kelso's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Kelso, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, is $53,360. The average income for the suburb during this period is $64,355. Both figures are below the national averages. In Regional NSW, the median income is $52,390 and the average is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Kelso's median income would be approximately $58,088 by September 2025, with an average of around $70,057 during the same period. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Kelso rank modestly, between the 49th and 50th percentiles. In terms of earnings profile, 35.8% of Kelso's population (4,019 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is similar to regional levels where this cohort represents 29.9%. High housing costs consume 15.2% of income in Kelso, but despite this, disposable income ranks at the 51st percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Kelso is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Kelso's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.8% houses and 7.3% other dwellings. In contrast, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kelso stood at 32.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.0% and rented ones at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, surpassing Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Kelso was $360, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Kelso's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Kelso features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.4% of all households, including 32.5% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 15.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for 22.6%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Kelso fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 13.4% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 41.2% holding them; advanced diplomas account for 9.5%, while certificates make up 31.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Kelso has 160 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 53 different routes that collectively facilitate 885 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 139 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward using their cars, which remain the dominant mode of transport at 96%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 126 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this analysis and shows the locations of the 100 nearest stops to the area's centerpoint.

Health performance in Kelso is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Kelso faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is more prevalent in Kelso at approximately 52% of the total population (~5,882 people), compared to the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are asthma (10.5%) and mental health issues (9.4%). A total of 63.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Kelso has 16.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,875 people), lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

Kelso is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Kelso had a cultural diversity below average, with 90.8% of its population born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 63.4% of Kelso's population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.2%), English (31.1%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented at 6.3%, while Lebanese and Korean groups had similar representation to regional averages at 0.4% and 0.1% respectively.

Kelso's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Kelso is 36 years, which is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 years and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 14.0% of Kelso's population, compared to Regional NSW, while the 65-74 cohort comprises 8.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.0% to 14.0%, and the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 15.5% to 14.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Kelso, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 57% (890 people), reaching 2,463 from an initial figure of 1,572.